Essays and Research Papers on Political Theory

A 9 page paper which discusses Machiavelli's views concerning capitalism, as they are presented in "the Prince," and then also discusses George Bernard Shaw's perceptions as they are found in the character of Undershaft in Shaw's play "Major Barbara." The paper then illustrates how despite racism and other conditions, people such as Oprah Winfrey demonstrate capitalism can work for many. ...

A 5 page paper which analyzes the first and last parts of "The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon" by Karl Marx. No additional sources cited.

Nationalism, or what Westerners tend to define as communism, effects not only the economic and political aspects of a culture, but also, the social evolution by restricting and, or, discouraging independent ideas and innovative processes. This 8 page paper argues that the transition to communism in China was a political and idealistic process that had little or no ...

This 6 page report discusses the economics of both socialism and capitalism and how they are unique in terms of ideologies, overall politics, and their long term impact on a nation and its people. Certainly, socialism as practiced by the Soviet Union was very different from that of the socialists of France. Likewise, capitalism in the United States is obviously ...

This 7 page report discusses pluralism, the most representative form of the American political system, and the fact that elitism and pluralism form the poles of the conflicting values. It then addresses socialism and capitalism in terms of political economies. Finally, the question of whether or not over-population in the U.S. and the world is a problem is also discussed. ...

War is a social-political institution, that has taken many forms over the centuries. There are a number of theories that address the interactions of war and forms of political organization. This 5 page paper provides an overview of Greg Cashman's book, What Causes War? No additional sources are listed.

This 5 page paper provides a brief overview of the concepts and theories presented by Joseph S. Nye, Jr. in his book, Understanding International Conflicts. No additional sources are listed.

A 10 page paper. The position is taken that American leadership has resulted in a more stable and safer world system. Hegemonic stability theory is discussed - for a stable world-system, it is necessary for one nation to take the position of leadership. In the 19th century, it was Britain; in the 20th century, ...

8 pages in length. The separation between church and state is not merely a formality; rather, the distinction found within the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment clearly defines the objective behind such segregation as being for the benefit of a peaceful society. That church and state remain two entirely independent and unattached ...

This 5 page report presents an argument regarding world trade that can be easily argued against. It’s thesis is that in the processes of development throughout the world, meaningful international trade plays the key role in assuring that a nation is able to take full advantage of its resources and capabilities. As the ongoing “globalization” of the world continues, it ...

A 2.5 page paper which examines how Karl Marx interpreted the ideal government and compares his view with the current global economy. No additional sources are used.

A paper which looks at the ‘first past the post’ electoral system in the UK, considers its advantages and disadvantages, and looks at possible alternatives which would allow a more accurate and representative system of voting.

10 pages in length. Plato's Theory of Forms strives to pinpoint a fundamental definition of goodness, yet does not entirely grasp such a comprehensive notion. Clearly, the inorganic tendencies of the philosopher's theory are inherently associated with one's thoughts, opinions and perceptions, none of which can be considered tangible or animate. Is ...

A 5 page paper discussing research considerations. Realism is a long-standing component of assessment of events in international relations, and critical realism provides a framework for analysis of research findings. Critical thinking is an ability necessary for gaining the greatest and most accurate results from research. Research of any kind is open to researcher bias if ...

This 9 page paper provides an overview of Liberal IR Theory and Realism. The two political theories are compared and contrasted. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 5 page paper that explores the differences between a Republic and Democracy. Examples are offered that suggest some changes in America if the nation was ruled by a pure form of either of these types of governments. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 6 page paper. What did Thomas Jefferson mean when he used the phrase "pursuit of happiness?" That is the question this paper addresses. In approaching this question, the writer reports Jefferson's original text to demonstrate the differences and the spiritual nature of his thinking. The persons who inspired Jefferson to this thinking are also ...

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the various types of capitalism in the world. How the variations affect trade and international relations are discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page report discusses of the writing and philosophy of Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) as it relates to modern leaders. Three contemporary figures are considered -- former President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Osama bin Laden. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper which presents a brief review of Karl Marx' "The Communist Manifesto." The paper also presents three strength and three weaknesses. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

This 5 page report discusses Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) and John Locke (1632-1704) and their points of view as related to the concept of “majority” (Locke) and sovereignty (Hobbes). . In Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes presents man as a machine operating on the basis of cause-and-effect or stimulus-response. Locke believes that the only reason society degenerates to armed conflict and strife is because ...

A five page paper which looks at Marx’s analysis of the relationship between capital and labour and considers whether his visualisation of a socialist revolution arising out of the capitalist system was accurate in the light of contemporary socio-economics. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 6 page paper considers to wheat extent the United States is really a democracy. The writer looks at the types of input into the system form votes and pressure groups to committees and lobbyists. The then considers the way that the system compares with that of the UK model of democracy. The bibliography ...

A 5 page paper which examines the condition of freedom in the United States and argues that while we may be a country that experiences more freedoms than other countries we are still not free. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 9 page paper which examines the political works of Clarence N. Stone, in "Regime Politics," and Paul Peterson, in "City Limits." No additional sources cited.